During the 1980s, Smith became known for grid paintings that were inspired by his collection of Colonial-era game boards. His current practice is not restricted to the study of hard-edged, geometry. He also utilizes biomorphic imagery in bodies of work he calls Splats; here, the artist composes surrealist-influenced, radiating forms that play with the relationship between positive and negative space.

While works like the Splats hint at recognizable imagery, Smith has noted: “For a good while now I’ve wanted to make nonrepresentational paintings that suggest a narrative while remaining essentially abstract. I try not to think of references; they get in the way for me. When I start to see something or think of something particular, I will veer away….”